COURSTEY  MIRROR MUMBAI MARCH17
How to get rid of dandruff
If you’re plagued by the white flakes, don’t worry. Here are a few things you can do
You’re wearing your favourite black top and you look down to see white flakes on it, dandruff has struck again. No one likes looking down and seeing the flaky residue on their clothing so what can you do about it?

Here’s a top round up of what works and what is causing your dandruff problems so rather than a quick fix, you get long-term relief. Dandruff is caused when a fungus called Malassezia grows on your scalp. It causes the skin to shed. There are two types of dandruff; one is dryness of the scalp the other is if you have excessive oil on your scalp.

Causes are:

• Brushing your hair wrong or irregularly

• You aren’t washing your hair enough or infrequently

• Diet

• Stress and certain illnesses like eczema and dermatitis There’s nothing more annoying than the itching sensation, so if you’re suffering there’s good news. It can stop. There’s a few tips, solutions, products and remedies you can try to battle back against it.

Lemon juice

Use a teaspoon of lemon juice and a bit of coconut oil (5 teaspoons). Mix the lemon with the oil and apply it to your scalp - leave it for half an hour. Wash it out using a mild shampoo. Try it in the morning or while taking a bath.

Why it works

Dandruff can be caused by an imbalance in your pH levels on your scalp. The acid from the lemon helps re-balance it. Coconut oil acts as a conditioning agent and has antibacterial properties.

Be careful if you have cuts as lemon is acidic.

Apple cider vinegar

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water together. Wash your hair, then pour on the mixture and rub in. Leave for 15 minutes before washing off.

Why it works

The acid changes the pH Levels of your scalp which stops the yeast growing that causes dandruff.

Coconut oil

Wash your hair then let it dry. Don’t use conditioner. Instead apply the coconut oil directly on to your hair. Leave it for a few minutes then wash it out.

Why it works

It gets deep into the epidermis and works from there. It has fatty acids which regenerate areas and help treat dandruff.

Mouthwash

You can use a mouthwash for this. Mix it with water (about a tablespoon with nine tablespoons water). Wash your hair with normal shampoo. Rinse your hair and use the mouthwash.

Why it works

It has antifungal properties that fight the yeast that causes dandruff.

Salt

Rub salt on to the scalp and work it through the hair. Do it for 10 minutes. Shampoo as normal.

Why it works

It’s abrasive nature helps scrub the scalp.

Aloe Vera

Take aloe vera gel (that has been taken from the plant) and apply to the scalp. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with mild shampoo.

Why it works

It has natural antibacterial and fungicidal properties

Garlic

Crush garlic cloves and mix it with honey until you have a smooth paste.

Massage into your scalp and leave for 15 minutes. Shampoo your hair.

Why it works

It has antifungal properties.

Olive oil

Olive oil can be used on the scalp as it moisturises the area that may be flaking. Try an overnight soak. Pour eight to ten drops of oil into your palm and massage into the scalp. Place a shower cap over your head to keep from staining the sheets. Leave for eight hours or overnight and then wash out in the morning using your normal shampoo.

Why it works

Olive oil moisturises the area and hydrates the scalp.

Massage

Dry scalp massage can help stimulate growth, but you have to do it properly says Sally-Ann. “Don’t slide your fingers round in circles — you can physically rub the hair away. I’ve seen people who’ve given themselves friction alopecia this way. You need to move just your scalp with your fingertips, not your hair.”

Adding a few drops of almond or sesame seed oil is also great for moisturising the scalp, even if you don’t have a specific scalp issue.

—Daily Mirror